A sad day in Michigan's UP.

[chefc14]

It's a sad time in the UP. It seems someone has been vandalizing H58.



October 4, 2011
U.P. Cruising Special Newsletter
To Our Fellow Riders and Readers,



Over the last 4 months, a very disturbed individual or individuals have found the need to vandalize the H-58 road from Munising to Grand Marais. Last weekend this sick person has struck again and has dumped nails on the road.

In our September newsletter we made a statement that this act was not done intentional, well I take that back and I apologize.

On Sunday October 2, 2011 Kathy and I had a group of 8 bikes going to Grand Marais on the H-58 road. Out of the 8 bikes, 5 of them had nails in their tires. This doesn't include an additional 3 bikes that were left stranded alongside the road with flats.Over the last couple days the number of flat tires on bikes and vehicles has been increasing steadily.

It's quit obvious this individual does not realize the seriousness of the matter. A flat tire while driving a vehicle is bad, a flat tire with a motorcycle on a curvy road is a recipe for tragedy.

Yesterday I filed a complaint with the Michigan State Police only to find out this was the third time this summer it has happened.

We are offering a $1,000 reward for information, arrest, and conviction for the person or persons responsible for this horrific act.

For all our readers that had flat tires from traveling H-58 or surrounding area this summer, please send me an email with the information of your incident. Once this person is caught, they will be held responsible for all cost along with criminal charges. Make sure not to toss your receipts.

We have set up a donation button on our Website for anyone that would like to help donated to the reward of the capture and prosecution of this sick individual. If each one of our readers donated only a dollar or two we will be over our $1,000. If we collect more than $1,000 we will raise the reward until this person is caught.

This does not only effect the local riders, it also effects everyone that plans on riding to the U.P.

Safety and fun is #1 to us and we're taking this serious.

Please help by donating. click here ---> H-58 Reward Donation

http://visitor.benchmarkemail.com/c/b/34F575

[stromgal]

Unbelievable.  I don't care if you're p*ssed-off because of the loud pipe crowd or whatever is stuck in your craw, nails on the road is beyond the pale.

And I was looking forward to riding the newly-paved road.

[chefc14]

I guess they don't realize they could cause someones death. I don't know if it's the loud pipe people, the fast driving people or just the traffic increase but I sure hope they catch them. I'm glad I got my ride in when I did. Lets just keep our fingers crossed that they catch the person responsible and I hope he has to pay for every tire that has been punctured not to mention some jail time.

[twotrackhero]

What an idiot, I hope they catch the ass and make them walk barefoot across H-58 covered in nails. I've read similar stories of people in the south pouring oil on the road in the curves to keep the bikes away   No big deal it's only someone's life  but at least I won't be interupted from doing nothing

[sammyseaman]

This person needs a serious beat down  

[bomber]

first time I went to the Gap, angry bear hunters were pouring motoroil in the apex of a couple of the faster turns, to discourage the riders  . . . .

they caught the guy, and he got slapped pretty good.

agreed, this vigilanteism is bullshit -- too bad some folks find it the only way to address what may be a legit reason to be pissed.

[sammyseaman]

first time I went to the Gap, angry bear hunters were pouring motoroil in the apex of a couple of the faster turns, to discourage the riders  . . . .

they caught the guy, and he got slapped pretty good.

agreed, this vigilanteism is bullshit -- too bad sociopaths find it the only way to address what may be a legit reason to be pissed.

FTFY

[MKorn]

Damn ... i jsut rode there for the first time last Monday ... luckily no one in our group of 4 had any flats.  

[CLAY]

I *really* hope they catch the bastard...  

[wibornz]

The only way you will catch them is if they ride a yamaha.

[chefc14]

The only way you will catch them is if they ride a yamaha.

 

[Bad Dad]

Aw man, I was gonna ride up that way tomorrow. I even put the baffle in the GSXR.

[chefc14]

Aw man, I was gonna ride up that way tomorrow. I even put the baffle in the GSXR.

You don't need no stinking baffle.

[OU812]

Asshats !
I need to order some more plugs for the "plug and go". Any good deals out there?

[mxvet57]

The only way you will catch them is if they ride a yamaha.

Kawasaki's are a little white dot in my mirror.

[duceduceexplorer]

people just dont think anymore  

[wibornz]

Kawasaki's are a little white dot in my mirror.

dammit Ed wash your bike.  I think I splashed your mirror as I passes you.  

plus Ed, you know I ride a yamaha vino 125 every chance I get.

[Bad Dad]

You don't need no stinking baffle.

           Ees a lilttle loud, and according to the guys who ride behind me its only getting louder...

[the drummer]

We did H-58 in mid-sept. Great road! What do these folks(persons?) think they'll do??  Close the road?  Glad to hear no injuries though!    

[HipGnosis]

That's pure deplorable assery!

I applaud U.P. Cruisers   for reporting it and offering a reward.  I hope the word gets out so the perp. gets caught and punished ASAP.

[Reddog*]

Finally made the news.

http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/news/story.aspx?id=672168#.TpVn3nLFlGA

[chefc14]

Finally made the news.

http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/news/story.aspx?id=672168#.TpVn3nLFlGA

 
I'm glad it made the news, there is a $2,000 reward for the capture of the culprit behind these incidents.
This quote was taken from a FB post
"Notice to all bikers: The Grand Marais Businesses WANT Bikes there. The Chamber of Commerce donated $1000 to the reward fund to find the person spreading nails on H58! They voted for it within an hour of us calling to ask for help! Their immediate response speaks volumes."
and this quote was taken from the Grand Marais chamber of commerce website. (http://www.grandmaraismichigan.com/)
"H-58 Nail Problems
According to TV6 News a lot of motorists are experiencing flat tires while traveling H-58 between Melstrand and Grand Marais in Alger County (see full article here). It appears that the flats are caused by large amounts of nails being thrown onto the roadway. Cars, trucks, and motorcycles have all been affected. The Alger County Road Commission has cleaned the roadway and is keeping an eye on it. The matter is being investigated by the Michigan State Police. If you have any information, please contact the Michigan State Police at (906) 475-9922.
The Grand Marais Chamber of Commerce is pledging a reward of $1000.00 toward the arrest and conviction of the person(s) putting nails out on H58. This brings the total reward to $2000 so far. The businesses in Grand Marais welcome all visitors and motorcyclists to our beautiful area and it is sad that a few are making it difficult and dangerous for our fall tourists. We will post updates as we receive them."

[Squijummonkey]

As one commenter stated, the UP thrives on tourism, so for a person to be doing this to thwart motorcyclists and other tourists, is only hurting their future when they find themselves out of a job and home due to lack of money coming into the community.

[chefc14]

I just received a message that the reward is up to $6,000.    I hope someone squeals.

[sammyseaman]

I just received a message that the reward is up to $6,000.    I hope someone squeals.

Nice! This dude(s) screwed  

[CLAY]

I just received a message that the reward is up to $6,000.    I hope someone squeals.

It's the UP.  That's like a million dollars.  

[Ack535]

The only way you will catch them is if they ride a yamaha.

OK, I confess, its me that is doing it... But you aint gonna catch me!

[OU812]

I hope they catch the scumbag.
Maybe the Harley dealer was getting slow at the service dept?

[falconati]

Wow, that's really messed up

[Ack535]

Hmnn, I think the same asshole must be running around in Jackson County. I was out riding with my son last weekend here:



An I ended up with this in my tire. Pic shows the nail (correction spike) 1/2 way pulled out. Yikes!



Now that I think about it, I know a certain big dude who rides a Kawasaki C14, has been "playa hatin" on Yamahas, and hangs out in Jackson County...

[mxvet57]

Now that I think about it, I know a certain big dude who rides a Kawasaki C14, has been "playa hatin" on Yamahas, and hangs out in Jackson County...

I know what county to stay out of.

Pete, can you back that up?

[wibornz]

I do not hate yamaha.  I have friends that ride them.  And I have even owned a few myself.

One of my favorites in years gone by...

[Ack535]

Aw com'on Ted, you I both know one of your favorite quotes:

"Yamaha makes great pianos, and OK motorcycles"

You know I am just F-ing with you!

[Pops]

I do not hate yamaha.  I have friends that ride them.  And I have even owned a few myself.

One of my favorites in years gone by...

Geeeze
You have friends

[wibornz]

Yea a couple and some of them even ride.  

[mxvet57]

Any more reports?

The temps may go into the 60's next week and i might try to get to the UP for a couple of days.

[chefc14]

I haven't heard a thing about it since the reward has been bumped up to $6k.

[CLAY]

I haven't heard a thing about it since the reward has been bumped up to $6k.

I'm betting dude is done doing it now that there's a reward.  Most scumbags are cowards.

[sammyseaman]

I'm betting dude is done doing it now that there's a reward.  Most scumbags are cowards.

They're also stupid and hopefully he has bragged about it to one of his buddies and they need some $.

[MilleArp]

....only hurting their future when they find themselves out of a job and home due to lack of money coming into the community.

You're assuming the person works.  
The #1 industry in the UP is not tourism.  Tourism is #2.  

WELFARE is #1 ! ! !

If you're paid to stay at home and do nothing and suddenly your peaceful dirt-road-runs-thru-it community is disturbed by rude obnoxious working taxpayers who paved the road, well, who wouldn't strew nails all over the road!!!  It's a reasonable response, right?


.

[three west]

You're assuming the person works.  
The #1 industry in the UP is not tourism.  Tourism is #2.  

WELFARE is #1 ! ! !

If you're paid to stay at home and do nothing and suddenly your peaceful dirt-road-runs-thru-it community is disturbed by rude obnoxious working taxpayers who paved the road, well, who wouldn't strew nails all over the road!!!  It's a reasonable response, right?

.

says the troll...

[mxvet57]

Bump.


Any updates?

My spring Around the lakes tour will be taking on this route. Do i need to bring a spare tire with me.  

http://www.aroundthelakes.net/atl2011/

[chefc14]

I haven't heard a thing about. Maybe all of the award talk and the police investigation scared the person into quitting. Om day 2 you are completelt bypassing the tunnel of trees, Cross Village and the Legs Inn. If you haven't heard of these things you should look them up. People come from all over to ride the tunnel of trees. It's M119 and it runs from Petoskey up tp Mackinac. They call it our little dragon. The legs inn is pretty famous for it's Polish food. Check into it.

[mxvet57]

Last year it freeken pored from Manistee to T.C.

Arcadia overlook.


Sleeping bear dunes


The next day was better.

Some big ass cheery pie.


Look familiar?


And the food was good here to.


Some realy big and long bridge.

[chefc14]

OK I see that you are familiar with the area. I couldn't look at your map and not suggest the tunnel.

[Zixxerpilot]

OK I see that you are familiar with the area. I couldn't look at your map and not suggest the tunnel.

It's Ed, he's familiar with every area. I have less miles on my daily commuter car than he has on that FJR! lol  

[OU812]

It's Ed, he's familiar with every area. I have less miles on my daily commuter car than he has on that FJR! lol  

Who doesn't?

[three west]

the latest update from UP Cruising

H-58 Update

As many of you know, we had an issue with someone purposely dropped nails onto H-58 last summer and into the fall color season.

Over the last several months, we've received dozens of emails from our readers asking for information and updates on the situation.

Last Friday, we received a call from the Michigan State Police.

According to officer Balone of the Michigan State Police, the investigation is still ongoing. They have received several tips from concerned citizens both locals and travelers. They ask if anyone has any information concerning this issue that you would give them a call. 906-387-4550

The reward is up to $6,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible.

If you were one of the unlucky victims of this situation, (like we were) please hold onto all receipt including tire repairs, tire replacement, or towing. The person(s) involved will be held responsible.